INTERACTIVE SPECIAL

Ryanair, using an annual figure based on revenues in its four published quarters for the calendar year, was the second largest no-frills operators by revenues at just under $6 billion.

The Irish budget carrier was also among the most profitable of low-cost operators. It posted net profits of $496 million to March 2011 and has been targeting net profits of $630 million for its financial year just ended.

Passenger numbers across 75 low-cost carriers in the survey grew 11.6% in 2011.